Small Business Marketing Strategies – Google Business List

Small business marketing is all about making the most of opportunities to promote brand awareness. Google Places, Google Maps, and Google Business Listings are all free marketing tools that can pack a punch in terms of web exposure.

Small businesses, particularly brick and mortar, depend on being discovered by the passing trade. With the increase in the use of mobile devices like the iPhone and other devices, it is essential that you help your prospects find you. Follow these guidelines to optimize your chances of appearing at the top of Google for local search.

Make sure data is accurate, consistent, and current. Across the web, all mentions of your company must be consistent. Google often cross-references other data providers. Without consistent data, Google won’t trust the data enough to place your business at the top of the list. Check other data providers, such as InfoUSA, Yellow Pages, Localizer, and Acxiom, for inconsistencies in categorization, phone numbers, and addresses. The goal is to eradicate all inconsistencies. Use local phone numbers when possible to link your business to a particular region.

Claim and verify. Claim your business on GLBC (Google Local Business Center) to appear on Google Maps. Many owners have yet to claim their businesses, by taking action in this area you can still gain a competitive advantage.

Be clear on the categorization. Get clarity on the categorization of your business. Think of what you would type into a search engine to find a business like yours. Think about products and services. Be specific and don’t overlap. Make sure categorization is clear across the web in all online business data references.

Develop a winning description. Develop an attractive, sales-oriented description that covers your products and services in less than 200 characters. Add your unique selling proposition and you’ll stand out from the competition with a winning formula. Use this small business marketing technique to get ahead of the competition.

Use Images and Videos. Google allows up to 10 images and 5 videos per business. Adding images and videos can attract potential customers and can visually demonstrate your place in the market. Display your logo and the logos of your trade associations. Also, display images of the brands you supply and the products. Show images of your premises for the recognition of passing businesses. Upload any commercial.

Use coupons. Google Maps doesn’t have tracking, but by adding coupons you can fill the gap. Plus, why not give your customers a reason to buy your products or services at a discount?

Use web directories. Google will reward your business with increased search visibility if you spend the time and effort to add your business to directories such as InfoUSA and Yellow Pages. The more referrals (remember consistency here) Google finds, the more Google and people will trust your business.

Encourage customer reviews. Mentions of your business are very important for Google to rank you. Encourage reviews from satisfied customers and provide clear instructions on how to review. You can request it on your business cards, bills and receipts.

Google Maps and Business Listings can really put your business in the line of sight of your niche, as long as they are optimized for Google. By thinking about your listings and a little extra help, you can build your business and income through small business marketing techniques.